March 11, 2020: The NBA indefinitely suspends the season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tests positive for COVID-19 prior to the tip-off of the Jazz/Thunder game in Oklahoma City.
For the first time, coronavirus had a name and a face.
Following that day, dominoes rapidly fell across the sports landscape.
College Basketball’s tournament season was called off.
Baseball’s spring training and regular season abruptly halted.
Golf lost a major and the Ryder Cup.
The Olympics were postponed.
With each passing day, we learned of the cancelation or postponement of another sporting event.
Covid-19 is still a thing. Sports remain compromised. But the start of the NBA season – in home arenas versus a bubble – symbolizes a gradual return to normalcy.
What ended March 11th begins December 23rd for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Before the season ends, fans will be back to watch the team in person.
In 2021, all of golf’s majors will be played…as will the Ryder Cup.
Baseball will complete a season more representative of its traditional 162 games.
The key word is gradual. We’re getting there. Back to where we – as sports fans – all want to be.